Spring/Summer Wardrobe Cleanup

Summer is almost here. And that means it’s time for my semi-annual wardrobe clean-out.

Cleaning out your closet can be tough. Parting with clothes, shoes, accessories you bought can feel like parting with an old friend. But sometimes, those friends just don’t fit you anymore, and it’s time to let go.

If you haven’t already done one this year, here are a few tips to help you get started:

Does the clothing have holes/stains?

No one likes holey clothes, and unless you can fix it, you should just get rid of it.

If you can fix it, fix it, otherwise it’s just going to sit there in your closet for another year, unloved.

Stains can sometimes be covered up with dye, holes with patches. A little DIY can change something you’re not wearing into something new.

Ask a friend to help you out.

This person needs to agree to be honest with you, but unbiased. Just because they wouldn’t wear it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t look good on you.

Make an afternoon of it, grab some drinks, and put on a fashion show.

Then, ask their opinion on whether you should keep or toss. And make sure they tell you why. Maybe they’ll give you a great compliment on something that you haven’t worn it a while, or they’ll point out the reason you haven’t worn that blouse in the last year.

Did you wear it last spring/summer?

If you didn’t, think about why not. Is it too big, too small, too short? Was it a fad you decided to follow, but aren’t into anymore? Has anything changed since last year to make it fit better?

If you didn’t wear it last year, chances are you’re not going to wear it again this year and it won’t be missed.

If your closet and drawers are so stuffed you can’t open them, then it’s time to get rid of a few things.

Leaving room in your closets allows there to actually be room for new things to enter your life.

Or better yet, try to follow the “One in, one out” rule. Every time you buy something new, get rid of something else.

The clothing that’s still good to wear, you can take to a thrift store, a charity shop, hold a clothing exchange with your friends, or try to find a church that gives away clothing to the needy (all helping the Sustainable Fashion cycle!). Anything that’s not good you can use as rags or cut it up to use as scraps in DIY projects. (If it’s really bad, unfortunately you’re just going to have to toss it.)

Cleaning out your closet should be done at least twice a year. Once for all your spring/summer wear, and again for your fall/winter clothes. Doing a closet clean will also help prevent/minimize the feeling of “I have nothing to wear”. Because of course, if you don’t like what’s in your closet, you’re not going to want to wear it.

Have you done a clothing clean-out this year? What was the hardest piece you parted with?

So true! Especially if you know the person had really good intentions.

My first recommendation for those is to try and experiment a bit. You may need to layer it, or make a slight modification to make it fit your style. (I’ve done that with a necklace that wasn’t my thing, but turned out great once layered with others)

Otherwise, it’ll have to go, because the reality is, unless the person who gave it to you goes through your closet or asks you, they’ll never know if you wear it or not.